Bautista battles heavier Garcia

Tagbilaran City, Bohol— Fighting in his own backyard, Rey “Boom-Boom” Bautista is definitely the prohibitive pick when he tangles with veteran Mexican warrior Genaro Garcia in tonight’s main event of the Pinoy Pride 12 “Bakbakan Sa Bohol” at the Carlos P. Garcia Sports Complex here.

But with so much is at stake, the Candijay-native Bautista is not taking any chances, saying there will be no room for complacency.

“It is a big advantage that I am fighting in hometown but it’s not to be able to beat him. I have to be very focused,” said Bautista (32W-2L-24KOs). “This fight is very important for me. I have to win this to earn another shot at a world title.”

The reigning IBF featherweight champion bungled his first world title crack when he lost to Mexican Ponce de Leon last Aug. 11, 2007.

In yesterday’s weigh-in held at the Island City Mall, Bautista came in at 127.5 lbs, while Garcia weighed 132 lbs, four pounds over the 128-lb catchweight.

OVERWEIGHT

Despite Garcia’s failure to make weight, the 10-round fight will still push through since it is a non-title bout but the Mexican boxer has to wear thicker gloves.

The 25-year-old Bautista will wear an eight-ounce gloves, while Garcia will use a 12-ounce gloves. Having to wear thicker gloves further placed Garcia at a disadvantage.

Aside from his height advantage, the five-foot-six Bautista seemed to be in a much better shape, revealing a more defined body unlike the five-foot-four Garcia whose body is starting to look like a washed-up bodybuilder.

Garcia (37W- 8L-21KOs) is nine years older than Bautista and has been into a lot of tough battles, including eight fights against world champions.

Bautista’s family will be among the thousands of Boholanos who will witness the fight and provide much-needed support to the ALA Gym stalwart.

“My family’s presence will be a big boost. I’ll really go for an impressive win to make them proud,” said Bautista, who last fought in Bohol in Nov. 19, 2005 where he dispatched Tanzanian Obote Ameme via second round knockout.

Bautista will mainly rely on a good defensive plan to keep his streak of six straight wins going.

“We studied Garcia’s style. He is a brawler, an aggressive fighter who loves to keep moving forward. Boom-Boom has to put up good defense. A good counter jab will be very important since he is taller,” said trainer Edito Villamor.

SUPPORTING EVENT

Before the Bautista-Garcia fight, fans will be treated to an explosive main supporting bout between ALA Gym’s unbeaten star Genesis Servania against Africa’s Nick Otieno.

Servania won his first 16 fights with six KOs. Otieno has nine KOs in his 21 wins and has seven losses.

The other undecards pit Jayson Pagara vs. Indonesia’s Frans Yarangga; Michael Domingo vs. Marvin Tampus; Mark Acub vs. Freddie Martinez; Juren Labordo vs. Junel Busado; Jimmy Paypa vs. Royroy Sumugat; Rey Morales vs. Jordan Catubay; and Pedro Balaba vs. Jerome Casas.